Atlin

I just got back from a hiking camp with the Yukon Ski Team in Atlin, BC.  Thankfully the weather cooperated and we were able to hike some of the many beautiful mountains in the area.  It was a relatively short camp, just four days.  It had been a long time since I was last in Atlin, and I forgot just how beautiful the landscape is.  I brought my big camera along on the hikes and was able to get some good shots, here is what we did and some pictures from the trip:

Day 1 - we left Whitehorse in the morning and drove to Atlin, set up camp, then did a four hour hike up Monarch Mountain.  

A bear we saw on drive to Atlin

Hiking up Monarch

A view of Atlin Lake partway up Monarch

Day 2 - We went for a long (7 hour) hike up Sentinel Mountain.

Hiking into the clouds

There was little visibility for a while when we were in a cloud

The summit of Sentinel Mountain, still lots of snow!

Hiking down from the summit

Boot skiing is much faster than walking for going down mountains!

If you look closely you can see our boot skiing marks down the snow patches 

Head coach Alain Masson fly fishing in the evening

Day 3 - In the AM we did a 4.5 hour hike up the Birch Creek area, then a short run and some circuit strength in the afternoon. 

YES member Colin Abbott looking at the old mining roads across the valley

A ptarmigan 

A group shot on our way back down

Snack time

Day 4 - In the morning we visited Monarch Mt again, but this time we raced to the top.  It took just under 30min to reach the summit!  After our race we packed up camp and headed back to Whitehorse. 

Nearing the top of the mountain, I don't think I've ever done a race on such steep terrain!

Me leading teammate John Parry back down the mountain after the race